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Nobody needs to be convinced about the importance of natural decorations in our cities. Fortunately, the trend of ‘concreting’ city centers has been diminishing, however, this is not always a fast process. Large flower pots are perfect for places that still need colors. Effect? Immediate!

Höchenschwand, Germany | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

 

Colorful plant containers have already become standard items on the public space decoration list. They appear wherever, for various reasons, it is impossible to plant flowers and bushes in the ground: sometimes practical issues decide and the need to have an extensive square for various events, sometimes a complicated underground sewage network or the presence of underground parking lots. Traditional gardening is significantly more difficult.

Höchenschwand, Germany | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

In return, European cities received an alternative – XXL flower containers, not only colorful and capacious, but also … mobile. They work well where urban outdoor events take place, as they can be easily moved – all you need is an ordinary, lightweight pallet truck. It is a good and economical solution for places with a complicated underground infrastructure network – the presence of flower pots, unlike traditional plantings, does not require pavement damage and burdensome, expensive construction works.

Torgau, Germany | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

Large city planters decorate many Eorupean cities. Also, you can easily find them in Germany, for example, in Höchenschwand and Torgau cities. The authorities of Torgau took a step further and, in addition to classic plant containers, chose innovative models: a flower pot with a table function and a model with a seat. In both cases, the results of the makeover were immediate – the cities gained natural decorations, in seemingly unfavorable conditions for traditional planting.

Torgau, Germany | source: www.terraformdesign.eu

What does contemporary public space need? Does the presence of cobbled squares exclude natural accents? How to combine several functions in one solution? The authorities of many European cities deal with similar doubts, regardless of their geographical location.

In terms of the desire to commune with nature, we are not significantly different from the inhabitants of the furthest corners in Europe. Although in recent times many revitalizations have resulted in paving the surface in the hearts of cities, they do not have to be deprived of either comfortable infrastructure or … plantings – also that in the XXL version.

What can large flower pots do for your space?

Interestingly, city centers are required at the same time to gather a large number of people and provide a comfortable place for organizing open-air events. Therefore, the city authorities face a difficult task: to create a space with elements of nature, yet flexible enough to successfully fulfill the other roles entrusted to it.

To deal with such conflicting interests, it is worth choosing mobile solutions, so the elements could be moved if necessary. Large flower pots, which combine several functions, guarantee saving valuable space.

Can large flower pots be used in some other ways?

Nowadays more and more European cities are arranged with large flower pots with a seat or table function. It is the only favorable way to bring both, a comfortable piece of furniture and a flower pot into the city, which will hold a bush or even a tree. Decorations of this type can be placed in the squares without interference in the ground. No complicated construction works or demolitions of pavements are required. Importantly, the individual components of the arrangement are so massive that they cannot be removed or even moved in case of vandalism.

Such innovative decorations allow not only to plant, but also to furnish the space in a creative way … and with respect for the environment. The need for mobile, functional solutions in squares or pavements is directly connected with a fast pace of life and growing openness of citizens to changes. A planter, at which you can eat a meal or where you can sit, becomes the most required option of all.

The street green belts are different – sometimes they can be covered with lawn and sometimes planted with trees, ornamental plants or shrubs. However, what to do when they do not exist in a traditional form, and instead of the natural substrate, there are only pavements? Greenery may appear in these places too!

Marktredwitz, Germany| source: www.terraformdesign.eu

At first glance, the arrangement of the space directly next to the street may seem to be difficult. How can you launch plants into a place without any natural substrate? And most importantly: how to do it in a way that is effective and safe for drivers and pedestrians?

Marktredwitz, Germany| source: www.terraformdesign.eu

 

Places with heavy traffic require a slightly different approach: it is not worth investing in heavy, static decorations (including, above all, classic concrete containers), which cannot be moved quickly if necessary, and due to their weight, may pose a threat to drivers. Modern city planters turned out to be a good solution – light and capacious enough to accommodate the largest plants – including Canna, which is very popular this season, and the timeless plant always chosen by city gardeners – Surfinia.

Big flower pots – big plants!

 

Such a solution was taken advantage of, among others, in the German city of Marktredwitz. Gianto city pots, models in the most intense colors, have appeared directly on the streets. Interestingly, such a choice is dictated not only by a purely aesthetic concept – vivid colors are better seen by drivers, which in turn improves their alertness on the road. The smooth texture of the pots also favors their exposure directly along the streets as dust and dirt easily disappear with rainfall.

Marktredwitz, Germany| source: www.terraformdesign.eu

Marktredwitz, Germany| source: www.terraformdesign.eu

In the German coastal city Greifswald, some unusual urban pots have appeared. Their uniqueness lies in an original form as the edge of a container is extended not without a reason…

Greifswald, Germany | Source: www.terraformdesign.eu

One of the biggest attractions of Greifswald is the marina. Yachts, sailboats and motorboats moor along the channel of the Ryck River. However, not only ”boaters” can find something for themselves. This neat and well-kept area is a great idea for a family walk – admiring the views you can easily wander to the Baltic beach.

 

Greifswald, Germany | Source: www.terraformdesign.eu

Still, to be able to fully enjoy the panorama, it is worth stopping for a moment …That is why, urban pots with a seat function appeared at marina. How does it work? The secret lies in the well-thought-out design combining two functions – a bench ( an expanded edge plays this role ), and a container for plants.

 

Greifswald, Germany | Source: www.terraformdesign.eu

The marina in Greifswald can be a role model in arranging problematic public spaces. Although there is a lack of space for new natural plantings, there is plenty of greenery. Trees constituting the axis separating the river channel from the promenade are not the only green accent.

The solution for the area covered with cobblestones turn out to be mobile urban pots – the models enriched with special grooves for a pallet truck, hidden in the base. This is a convenient and quick way not only to bring planted decorations to the area, but also, in the long run – to change their setting according to one`s needs. Arrangement does not require complicated construction works or engaging heavy, devastating ground vehicles – the marina will remain as beautiful as always!